Parliament must scrutinise major changes to South Australian elections

Since the 19th Century, South Australia has had a global reputation for electoral innovation and inclusive elections, and the truth in political advertising laws it adopted in the 1980s are a model for Australia-wide reform. Genuine electoral reform in this state would improve democracy across the nation.

In a consultation draft circulated for comment earlier this year, the South Australian Government proposed dramatic changes to election funding in the state:

  • An extra $14 million in public funding for politicians per electoral cycle, approximately 80% of which would go to the major parties and only about 1% to new entrants.
  • Banning political donations to existing political parties and sitting members of parliament.
  • Lowering spending caps and making them mandatory for political candidates.
  • Leaving third parties, like corporations and lobby groups, unlimited in what they can spend on election campaigning.

The Australia Institute’s submission to the consultation warns that the changes proposed in the exposure draft risk significant, even if unintended, consequences by locking out minor parties and independent candidates, while providing increased public funding to the Labor and Liberal parties.

Other times legislation has been rushed, there have been serious consequences.

In 2021, the Parliament of South Australia rushed through sweeping changes to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Those changes rendered the anti-corruption watchdog “toothless” and contributed to the resignation of Commissioner the Hon Ann Vanstone KC.

Like the changes to ICAC, changes to electoral funding are complex and may have unintended and serious consequences. They should be subject to significant scrutiny and not be rushed through the parliament.

To the Parliament of South Australia

Proposed changes to election funding and expenditure are intended to build public confidence and trust in our electoral system, but if the Parliament rushes legislation or passes laws that are undemocratic or unconstitutional, they will further damage that public confidence and trust.


New laws must:

1) Reform public funding for political parties and candidates so new parties and first-time candidates can compete on a level playing field.

2) Not allow corporations and vested interests an outsized influence on the public debate at the expense of candidates for election.

3) Encourage more civic participation in democratic processes, including joining a political party or movement, making small donations and volunteering.

4) Enshrine the right of charities to advocate for political reform.


We call on the government to continue to work to achieve a model that is fair, proportionate and constitutional.

We call on the parliament to thoroughly scrutinise the legislation in a parliamentary inquiry, and amend or reject the bill if it does not meet the standards above.

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Latest supporters

David Conder signed 2024-09-11 07:21:53 +1000
Nastasja Agerman signed 2024-09-10 13:36:21 +1000
Bill Browne
Bill Browne published in Petitions 2024-08-30 17:00:53 +1000